The opposition People's Party (PP) has renewed its demand for Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow's removal, warning that his continued cabinet presence could compromise investigations into a major transnational crime and money-laundering network.
PP deputy leader Rangsiman Rome issued the warning on Wednesday after the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) seized assets worth about 10 billion baht linked to an online scam operation involving businesswoman Tangthai Banmahing. The financial trail led to bank accounts associated with Yim Leak, who has deep ties to Cambodian political elites and is seen as a central figure in a cross-border scamming syndicate.
Mr Rangsiman said the network operates across several countries, funnelling illicit proceeds through BIC Bank Cambodia controlled by Yim Leak. The bank is also connected to Cambodia's high-value Dara Sakor project, linked to Chinese national She Zhijiang, who was extradited to China on charges related to an illicit gambling empire. He added that BIC Bank may face British sanctions, underscoring the gravity of the case.
Mr Rangsiman said Ben Smith -- also known as Benjamin Mauerberger or Benjamin Mausberger -- maintains extensive ties with Thai politicians, including Capt Thamanat, and acts as an adviser to former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. Reports by investigative journalist Tom Wright indicate Mr Smith arranged private jets and luxury yachts for political figures, including the Koh Lipe meeting involving Thaksin Shinawatra, Capt Thamanat, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He said admissions by Capt Thamanat's adviser, Thanadol Suwannarit, who confirmed handling legal matters for Mr Smith, reinforce concerns over their connections.
Mr Rangsiman himself is being sued by Mr Smith, and he noted irregularities during a recent court hearing, including the inability of Smith's lawyer to verify the authenticity of Mr Smith's passport copy.
Mr Rangsiman warned that the case illustrates a broader "grey capital" threat, illicit money infiltrating Thailand to buy influence and distort democratic processes. He also accused Capt Thamanat of weaponising legal complaints against critics.
He urged the prime minister to dismiss Capt Thamanat to safeguard the integrity of ongoing investigations and called for intensified cooperation with international agencies to dismantle the network.
"It is time for the government to remove Capt Thamanat and move decisively to dismantle this network wherever it operates," Mr Rangsiman said.